As the RNLI continues to operate as normal during the Covid-19 pandemic, the charity is still unable to fundraise out in person in the community.

With more people needing the lifeboat crews as they stay home, support from the public is more important than ever.

The RNLI operates two lifeboat stations on Upper and Lower Lough Erne and has seen a drop in funds raised locally in 2020 as traditional fundraising activities had to be cancelled. This was despite the lifesaving charity having to PPE for the volunteer crew such as face masks and gloves, to keep them protected and safe.

In many cases, when the lifeboat pager goes off volunteers will need to abandon homeschooling or work and head to the lifeboat station to answer the call for help.

Stephen Scott, Lifeboat Operations Manager, at Carrybridge RNLI has appealed: "We couldn’t do what we do without the support of the public. The RNLI has experienced a drop in funds locally, but we are rescuing more people than ever before.

"We are facing challenging times and are calling on people to consider making a donation this year to ensure we can continue saving lives on inland waters. We have moved our fundraising online in these challenging times and set up a Just Giving page for the lifeboat station where people can donate directly to their local lifeboat station in Carrybridge."

To support the RNLI at Carrybridge, helping to ensure the charity’s brave volunteers can continue saving lives on Lough Erne, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/carrybridgernlilifesaversfund2021